South London Partnership – A major new employment initiative, Connect to Work, has officially launched across South London, aiming to support people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or complex barriers into good, secure jobs over the next five years.
Backed by investment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Connect to Work will deliver tailored, localised support across Croydon, Merton, Richmond, Kingston and Sutton.
Connect to Work will be delivered by Ingeus in Croydon, Merton, Sutton and Kingston, commissioned by Croydon Council, the accountable body on behalf of South London Partnership. Richmond Workmatch will be supporting residents in Richmond. The initiative will provide voluntary, personalised, and flexible support, including one-to-one coaching, job matching, and in-work support for both participants and employers.
Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry said:
“As part of the South London Partnership, Croydon Council is proud to be introducing the Connect to Work programme. This exciting new programme aims to support up to 1,400 south Londoners each year at peak delivery – helping people gain new skills and access better job opportunities.
“As Executive Mayor of Croydon, I’m committed to strengthening Croydon’s economy and positioning our borough as a place of opportunity. This is a practical step forward—offering real support to unemployed residents and those who may struggle to find work owing to disability, health conditions and other barriers to work.”
Connect to Work is already transforming lives across England, with early delivery areas demonstrating the real difference supported employment can make”.
Sarah Ireland, Chief Executive of the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, SLP Lead for Employment and Skills and the co-chair of the South London Skills and Employment Alliance said:
“We are excited to be launching South London Connect to Work, our new supported employment programme, developed to build tailored pathways into good jobs for south Londoners, and create inclusive working environments where everyone can thrive. Connect to Work will not only help people find good jobs, but it will help our businesses access a more diverse talent pipeline, equipped with the skills to help our economy prosper and grow.
Working together with employers and residents to create roles and opportunities that help build our economy is vital. Together, we can tackle unemployment, improve staff retention, and open doors for residents—especially those facing barriers to entering the workforce. Let’s commit to creating opportunities that make a lasting impact.”
Ingeus CEO for Employment Services, Julie Graham, said:
“We’re thrilled to be delivering Connect to Work in South London. This programme is about breaking down barriers and creating real opportunities for people who face challenges in finding or keeping employment. By combining personalised support with strong employer partnerships, we aim to help people not only secure jobs but thrive in them. It’s a proven approach that changes lives – and we’re proud to be part of that journey with South London Partnership, continuing our long track record of supporting residents in South London communities.”
For more information, visit: Connect To Work – South London Partnership
Or to access Connect to Work, visit:
If you live in Croydon, Kingston, Merton or Sutton
Employment Services – Supporting Individuals Back Into Work
If you live in Richmond
Self-referrals: Richmond Connect to Work self-referral form.
Referring others: Richmond Connect to Work referral form
